Bats

Due to the warm weather, summer is a popular season for bats to make their way into residents’ homes. Although attics are the most common place for bats to roost and raise their young, sometimes bats end up in a resident’s living space.

Tips to Remove a Bat

If it is a single bat, open a window to the outside and seal off the rest of the room, even shove a towel under the doorway. A bat will usually circle the room a few times before locating the window and flying outside. Try to keep the bat in sight to make sure it leaves. Bats do not attack people or fly into people’s hair.

If a bat disappears, it is probably hiding behind a curtain or in a small space. A resident can open the window, seal off the room, and turn off the lights. The bat will most likely leave once it is dark outside. If a bat has landed on a curtain, place a jar over the bat, carefully work it into the container, and cover it. A bat on the floor can be covered with a towel and picked up. A resident can also put on leather gloves (do not use cotton or bare hands) and pick up the bat to release outdoors. A bat will squeak loudly when touched; don’t worry, this is normal.

There are some reasons a bat should be contained and not released. If it is found in a room with a sleeping person, if there are small children or animals in the house, or if someone has direct contact with a bat, contact Animal Control and they will test it for potential rabies. If the bat’s location is unknown, the resident should probably contact their doctor, just to be safe.

Animal Control officers will be dispatched only if there has been human/pet exposure and the bat’s location is known. During business hours, you can contact Animal Control at 617-635-5348. After hours, Animal Control has an on-call agent for emergencies.

Information from City of Boston Animal Control and the Massachusetts Department of Wildlife